Somers Somers Kissel co-sponsors bill boosting vets services

HARTFORD — Sen. John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) and Sen. Jeff Gordon (RWoodstock) applauded the state Senate’s passage of legislation that aims to give municipalities additional guidance concerning the services veterans are required to be provided, as well as how to provide those services.

“The concept for this bill originated from local officials in the town of Somers, which does an excellent job in providing services for our veterans,” said Kissel, who represents Somers and co-sponsored the bill. “The timing of the passage of this bill as we approach Memorial Day weekend could not be better. We all hold our veterans in the highest regard, and we want to help towns follow the best practices Somers is exhibiting with regard to our veterans. This bill's passage will help improve the quality of life for veterans across our state.

“Many thanks to our former Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Thomas Saadi, who helped me in crafting this bill proposal's language when we initially worked on this

License your dog, enter raffle

Dog licensing in Somers begins June 1 at the Town Clerk’s office, by drop box at Town Hall, or by mail addressed to the town clerk. If you have questions, contact Dave Marti, town clerk, 860-763-8207; or Deb Murphy, assistant town clerk, 860-763-8206. Owners who license in June will be entered into a raffle to win a basket filled with dog goodies and toys displayed by Marti and Murphy.

Town Clerk’s Office photo matter during the 2022 legislative session.”

In February, Kissel testified before the legislature’s Veterans; and Military Affairs Committee in support of the bill. He was joined by U.S. Marine Corps veteran and longtime community volunteer Peter DePaola Sr. of Coventry and Somers Veterans Affairs Department Director David McCaffrey.

“We are always looking to improve services — and access to services — for our veterans,” said Gordon, the ranking Senator on the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee Rep. Kurt Vail, Coventry resident and veterans advocate Peter DePaola Sr., and Sen. John A. Kissel at the Legislative Office Building.

Sen. John Kissel’s Office photo

Passport to Farm Wineries

From left, Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz visited Worthington Vineyards, 359 Mountain Road in Somers, and its owners Karen and Mark Murdock on May 19 to celebrate the beginning of the 2023 Passport to Connecticut Farm Wineries program. The passport is a mobile app featuring 38 participating farm wineries. Worthington is one of two new wineries to join in 2023. More than 100 prizes valued in excess of $10,000 will be available to eligible participants entered in the prize drawing by Dec. 31.

Worthington Vineyards photo